Pence has a mild strain of patellar tendon

Although Hunter Pence is likely to miss a couple more games, the news could have been much worse.

The right fielder’s MRI revealed a mild strain of his patellar tendon in his left knee.

“There’s really no explanation other than a day or two will make it stronger,” Pence said. “But it’s strong and it’s good and I’ll be back soon.”

Assistant GM Scott Proefrock said Pence is likely to return this weekend. The Phillies begin a three-game series in New York on Friday.

After Tuesday’s game (prior to the MRI), the media was told Pence had patellar tendinitis.

“I think he’d had some tendinitis and I think he might have exacerbated it a little bit [Tuesday],” Proefrock said. “Obviously we’re in a situation where we can be extremely cautious. I know he wanted to play last night and probably wanted to play today, but there’s no reason to push the situation at all.”

OTHER NOTES

--Charlie Manuel said today is likely Vance Worley’s last start before he hands out to the bullpen to prepare for being in there for the postseason.

--Manuel added that Kyle Kendrick is scheduled to pitch Saturday’s game against the Mets.